“We met her the night of Jay and Clay’s birthday party,” Izzy said.
“Yes. She was helping in the kitchen.”
“She doesn’t look like kitchen help,” Toni whispered. “That girl belongs on a runway modeling designer clothes in Paris or Milan.”
“She is quite stunning, isn’t she? I bet she’s close to the same age as your kids and Izzy’s Gabby.” Toni had two sons who were in college and Izzy’s oldest daughter had just graduated from college and was already working on her Master’s.
“You’re probably right,” Toni agreed. “But then again, you can’t tell anyone’s real age these days.”
Cami watched as Alessandra conducted herself behind the hostess desk. “God, look how calm and in control she is, just the opposite of how I feel at the moment. She’s the whole package. Looks. Brains. Everything.”
“She is pretty, but you are beautiful,” Izzy said. “Smart? Maybe, but you are brilliant. Cami, you’ve got everything going for you. It’s long overdue for you to be happy.”
“You’re just biased.” Cami loved her friends. They’d been by her side at her darkest moment.
“Only because I know you inside and out, and you’re just as beautiful on the inside.”
“It’s so nice to see you again, Ms. Anderson.”
“Nice to see you, too, Alessandra, but please call me Cami. These are my friends, Toni and Izzy.”
“Pleasure, ladies.” Alessandra looked down at her iPad. “I hope you have a reservation, but if you don’t, I think I can work something out anyway.”
“We have a reservation,” Toni said. “Party of three under my last name, Edmunds.”
Alessandra smiled. “Right here, Mrs. Edmunds.”
“Actually it’s Ms. Edmunds.” Toni had taken back her maiden name after the divorce.
“My apologies, Ms. Edmunds.” Alessandra waved over one of the waitstaff. “This is Marcos, and he will take you to your table. Cami, let me know if you need anything, anything at all.”
“Thank you. I’m sure we’ll be fine.” But she didn’t feel fine. Just breathe, Cami.
This was her first time to Dos Hermanos and she was taken aback at how beautifully decorated it was. She took it all in as Marcos led them to their table. The rectangular bar was packed with customers sitting on tall leather chairs.
The entire space had a modern feel, with glass and metal adornments, but the fabrics and color choices on the wall added warmth. She loved the decor and wondered how much Roberto and Miguel had contributed to it.
“This is your table, ladies.” Marcos pulled out the chairs for them.
She couldn’t believe how gorgeous this place was. Their table sat by an arched window that provided an unobstructed view to a patio awash in color with a beautiful wall fountain of terracotta tiles.
“Thank you. This will do nicely, Marcos,” Toni said, taking a seat in one of the plush chairs.
Cami and Izzy also sat down. The table was covered in a linen tablecloth. To the right was an expansive wine display that could be seen through a wall of glass.
“Marcos, we’d like to start with a bottle of wine,” Izzy said, turning to her and winking. “Her favorite is Moscato. The sweeter the better.”
She laughed. “You’re one to talk about me liking sweet drinks, Izzy. I remember our sophomore year when you and this one”—she pointed at Toni—“downed an entire pitcher of piña coladas and wanted me to mix up another batch.”
Her two friends laughed.
“Thank God you didn’t,” Toni said. “I doubt I would’ve been able to make class the next day if you had.”
Izzy nodded. “But if you would rather have piña coladas, I’m all for that.”
“You just want to get me into trouble, don’t you?” She glanced at the swinging door where waiters were going back and forth. That had to be the way to the kitchen, where Roberto and Miguel were cooking.
Toni turned to Marcos. “A pitcher of piña coladas for the table, please.”